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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2024-01_MunicipalInsight_webmunicipal insightmunicipal insight “ “Keeping you informed about January/February 2024Keeping you informed about January/February 2024 your municipal government” your municipal government” After the last round of Capital Grant program ap- plications, it was found that there are commu- nity groups with capital projects that didn't fit within either of the available grant programs designated for capital projects (Major Capital or Small Capital). For example, Major Capital Grants are for innovation and building capacity; something new to contribute to the Municipality and enhance the quality of life for residents - not for maintenance. Also groups that re- quire repairs costing greater than $10,000 (the maxi- mum under the Small Capital Grant program) would not be eligible Council recognized that changes should be made to the Small Capital Grant criteria and Municipal staff were asked to review the program with Council. Last December, Council approved several changes that would open the grant to make more projects eligible for funding. The previous Small Capital Grant program had a maximum funding amount of $10,000. The purpose was to support groups that have minor capital equip- ment needs, and Council could fund up to 100% of a project. Funding for the Small and Major Capital grants comes from Wind Revenue Reserve under the um- brella of Community Development. For the 2023-24 budget year, the Major Capital budget was $250,000 and the Small Capital budget was $25,000 for a total of $275,000. The amount of funding to community groups from the Municipality is higher than in most areas, but NEW FUNDING CRITERIA Municipality introduces improved grant programs for non-profits Chester Municipal Grant Programs. “Fun”ding communities. Every year, the Municipality of Chester improves communities by funding many non-profit community groups and youth through our grant programs. • Community Capital Grant - application deadline is January 31. • Major Capital Grant - application deadline is January 31. • District Grant - contact your district Councillor. Applications received all year round. • Operating Grant - application deadline is April 30. • Recreation Grant - application deadline for 2024 is October 4. • Economic Development Sponsorship - contact Economic Development at 902-275-4147. • PRO Kids - applications received all year round. • Youth Sponsorship Grant - applications received all year round. • Leadership Training - applications received all year round. All grant programs have eligibility requirements. Download the guidelines and applications at www.chester.ca/government/grants-and-sponsorship or telephone 902-275-3490 and let us help you choose the grant program that’s right for you. Council recognizes that key infrastructure owned by the public has a meaningful impact on the community. Council came to the conclusion that the maximum funding amount available to groups under the Small Capital budget should be increased based on eligibil- ity. Therefore, groups that DO NOT own a community facility are eligible for up to a maximum of $10,000. Groups that DO own a community facility and need to make upgrades to core infrastructure (i.e. roof, me- chanical systems) are eligible for up to a maximum of mysurveys.pro/chester HOW DO YOU MOVE? We welcome your FEEDBACK and preferences, and you can be entered to win one Your input will inform our strategies to promote physical activity and active, healthy lifestyles Please complete our survey at mysurveys.pro/chester For more information, please contact: Community Development & Recreation Services ATTN: Gord Tate gtate@chester.ca 902-275-3490 This survey is being conducted by the NS Department of Communities, Culture & Heritage on behalf of the Municipality of Chester. 2024 PropertyAssessments are nowavailable! In the Municipality of the District of Chester this winter... Anti-Racism & Diversity Coordinator Hiring for regional position... Feedback! Looking for feedback! 2024 Property Assessments are out! We are looking for that Please complete a Check your mail and look special someone... survey on "how you on Page 7 for some Check page 2. move (Page 3). important info. $20,000. The criteria was updated to assist community groups to enhance their facilities or better serve the public. Given these changes, the name of the grant program is now the "Community Capital Grant". Other grants available through the Municipality are: Major Capital Grant - covers up to a maximum of 70% of a large capital project budget and funding amount is greater than $20,000. The project must either be related to a new facility or expand the capacity of an existing facility, but building maintenance and repair are not eligible. District Grant - available to groups by applying to the Councillor representing their district. Each District is provided $10,000 for disbursement. Operating Grant - Non-profits can apply for up to $3,000 for operating costs. Recreation Grant - Non-profits whose primary pur- pose is to operate, sponsor, or encourage recration program, activities, and facilities within the Municipal- ity of Chester. Maximum request is $3,000. PRO Kids - Financial assistance to youth for registra- tion fees and equipment costs related to sport and recreation activities. The intent is to help families with limited income. Youth Sponsorship Grant - To assist youth who have been selected to attend a recognized sanction event at the provincial, national or international level. Can provide up to $2,000. Leadership Training - Funds for training, certifica- tion, or workshops related to coaching and leadership positions. Will cover up to 50% of fees. For more information on criteria and our application forms, visit our website at www.chester.ca/govern- ment/grants-and-sponsorship. If you have questions on which is the right grant for you or your organiza- tion, please call 902-275-3490 and let us help! COUNCIL & GOVERNANCEMessage from the Warden Let's start on a positive note: Happy New Year to all! We all face many challenges, both personally and collectively. This year, I hope that we can all rise to the occasion and meet those challenges together, helping each other and our communities. In this edition, you will see details of some of the changes we have made to our grants programs, both for homeowners and community organizations. These changes were made to help us better serve your needs. Please take the time to review them and, as always, let us know if we can help. We are also in the process of reviewing our strategic priorities for the upcoming year. This is a broad-ranging document that includes general service delivery, financial capacity, capital spending with a focus on sewer upgrades and You can contact the Warden by calling the Municipal Office at (902) 275-3554, calling his home at (902) 275-2536, or emailing awebber@chester.ca 2 expanded capacity, housing needs, and how our Planning Strategy can be used to support communities' needs among many other issues. We are also not far off from starting work on our capital and operating budget for the coming fiscal year. We have been fortunate enough not to have required a tax increase since 2017. We remain in a solid financial position and maintain a high level of service and constantly try to improve our approach without having a negative financial impact. There is a lot going on in our community and the world we live in. It is by working together and supporting each other that we can achieve our goals and be proud of our accomplishments. Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, Holidays & Observances: Municipal Offices will close on Monday, February 19 to observe Heritage Day. Kaizer Meadow Landfill will close and waste collection (Week A) will be rescheduled to the Sat- urday, February 17. February is also African Heritage Month. The Mu- nicipality will fly the Pan-African flag from Febru- ary 1 to February 15 to demonstrate and strength- en support for people of African descent. Meeting Schedule: Council and Committee meet- ings are open to spectators. The meeting schedule for the rest of January and February is listed below: • January 18 Council workshop (no meeting) • January 25 Council • February 1 Committee of the Whole • February 8 Council • February 22 Committee of the Whole • February 29 Council Strategic Priorities: Council will review its Strate- gic Priorities Chart on January 18. It will outline and prioritize goals and areas of focus, which will provide direction to staff for the next year. Council identifies priorities by listening to resi- dents and businesses, being aware of current pro- vincial and federal mandates and available fund- ing programs, and municipal needs (infrastructure and services). Look for a summary in an upcoming newsletter! Municipal Building Options: Council is reviewing options regarding Municipal Offices. Currently, we have three storage units plus four locations that store files and equipment. Council is looking for options that will accommodate the public, staff, and adhere to accessibility needs. Solar Energy: The provincial government has opened the application process for its solar energy program. Under the program, Council is consider- ing the installation of a community solar garden at Kaizer Meadow Envrionment Centre. Discussions are preliminary, but the first step would be to sub- mit an application to the Province to determine if we can even proceed. Tender Awarded: Council awarded the Public Drop Off/HHW Sandblast and Painting Tender (MODC- T-2023-013) to LDG Contracting in the amount of $88,000 (excluding HST). New Road Name Assignment: The addition of a new structure on the Bonny Lea Farm premises re- quires that the road be named. The new name se- lected was Berties Way in honour of Alberta Baker. Letter of Support: Council wrote the Premier, NS Department of Natural Resources and Renew- ables, and the NS Department of Environment and Climate Change requesting that the government pause all harvesting and roadbuilding activities in forests over 80 years old on Crown Land. This let- ter is in support of the Save Our Old Forests (SOOF) group and in the interest of old forest preserva- tion. IN BRIEF... Anti-Racism & Diversity Coordinator 3 PROVINCIAL SERVICES The Provincial Government provides many services to Nova Scotians. It's not always easy to find contact information, so we have composed a list of common telephone numbers for your reference. Department of Community Services .................. 1-877-424-1177 Child Abuse Registry checks for volunteers ........ 902-424-6798 Child Welfare Services ........................................ 902-543-4554 Income Assistance .............................................. 902-543-4554 Department of Education ................................... 902-424-5168 South Shore Regional Centre for Education ........902-541-3000 Department of Finance and Treasury Board .......902-424-5554 Consumer complaints ..........................................902-424-5613 Insurance enquiries .............................................902-424-6331 Pension regulation ...............................................902-424-8915 Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration ....1-844-424-5301 Apprenticeship Program (Bridgewater) ...............902-943-3699 Employment rights ..............................................888-315-0110 Labour Standard ..................................................902-424-4311 Occupational Health & Safety .............................800-952-2687 Technical Safety ..................................................902-424-5400 Workplace Innovation Incentive .........................844-850-2030 Youth Employment Programs ............................800-424-5418 Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing ....902-424-6642 Emergency Management Office ..........................902-424-5620 Office of the Fire Marshal ....................................902-424-5721 Department of Natural Resources ......................902-634-7555 Wildlife, forestry, energy efficiency and development, Crown land, burning, geoscience, provincial parks, off-highway vehicles, etc. Department of Public Works ...............................1-844-696-7737 Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care ........1-844-277-0770 Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives ........902-424-4415 Nova Scotia Environment & Climate Change .......902-543-4685 Blue-green algae, drinking water, pollution, water testing, private wells, hazardous materials, food safety, groundwater, etc. PROVINCIAL CONTACTS Winter Parking Ban Regulations are in effect from December 15 to March 31. Until the parking ban ends, you cannot park on municipal property or any street in Chester or Western Shore between 1:00 and 6:00 a.m. ALSO, you cannot park on the street an hour after a storm starts until two hours after it ends. Your vehicle can be towed (at your expense) if you obstruct winter maintenance (like plowing, salting, sanding, etc). Incidentally, if you plow driveways, it’s illegal to plow snow across a street or onto a sidewalk. Call the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works to receive or report information on local roads. Their phone number is toll free: 1-844-696-7737 or email dpw-occ@novascotia.ca. You can also access all of this information (plus more) on their website: http://novascotia.ca/tran/winter SNONOW PARKINGPARKING If you own and/or drive a vehicle in If you own and/or drive a vehicle in Nova Scotia, there are a few things you Nova Scotia, there are a few things you need to know this winter.need to know this winter. and when (road priority list). There is also some safety information including road conditions and a winter travel safety pdf. You are responsible for • following the Winter Parking Ban Regula- tions; • maintaining your own road if it is private; • clearing your own driveway entrance after the plow has passed by; • reporting uncleared or messy sidewalks by calling us at 902-275-1312; • reporting road conditions to NSDPW; and • using caution when winter traveling, wheth- er walking, driving or biking. Snow removal in the Municipality of Chester (and pretty much in all municipalities) is a shared effort between us, the NS Department of Public Works (NSDPW), RCMP, and citizens. The Municipality is responsible for our own roads: • Captains Way, Aspotogan • Commodore Drive, Aspotogan • Foxwood Drive, Mill Cove • Lake Road, Mill Cove • Landing Drive West, East River • Endeavour Avenue, East River • Millennium Drive, Chester • Parkwood Drive, Mill Cove We are responsible for plowing our own munici- pal properties and infrastructure, including sewer USUS SNOW REMOVAL...us, them or you? 902-275-1312 office plants and sidewalks. Our sidewalks are in Chester Basin, Chester Village, Hubbards, Mill Cove, New Ross, and Western Shore. We contract snow clear- ing. NSDPW is responsible for all provincial roads, including highways, routes, and all roads repre- sented by a green road sign. Examples are High- way #103, Route #14 (Windsor Road), and Chester Grant Road and most Village roads. To make plowing easier for NSDPW, Winter Park- ing Ban Regulations are in effect from December 15 to March 31 (see above), which the RCMP en- force. You can also visit http://novascotia.ca/tran/ and check out cool things like NSDPW's Plow Tracker, highway cameras, and which roads are plowed THEMTHEM 511 information1-844-696-7737 Contact Ctr YOUYOU The Best Of Nova Scotia in one place... www.investchester.ca 4 Saturday, Jan. 20 Fundraiser Breakfast District #1 Community Centre, 9-11am. Sunday, Jan. 21 Our Global Environmental Challeng is presented by the Athenaeum Society of Nova Scotia at Ocean Swells Community Centre, 2:30pm. Call 902-476-4465. Saturday, Jan. 27 French Toast Breakfast East Chester Recreation Hall, 8-11am. Winterlude St. Luke's Parish Hall, Hubbards, 11:30am- 1:30pm. Lunch and local artisans. Visit www.twocoves.ca or call 902-670-4411. Fish Fry Hubbards Area Lions Club, 3:30-5:30pm. Call 902-857-9714 to pre-order by Jan. 24. Junior Curling Team Development Clinic For info, visit www.chestercurlngclub.ca or search ChesterCurlingClub on Facebook or email info@chestercurlingclub.ca. Sunday, Jan. 28 Adult Day Camp Curling Development Clinic For info, visit www.chestercurlngclub.ca or search ChesterCurlingClub on Facebook or email info@chestercurlingclub.ca. Crib Tournament Western Shore Legion, 1pm. For information, all 902-627-2570. Monday, Jan. 29 Drop-In Art Studio Ocean Swells Community Centre, 10am- 4pm. Saturday, Feb. 3 Sunday, Feb. 4 Zone 13 Provincial Darts New Ross Legion, 10am. Call 902-299-0144 by Feb. 1 to register. Sunday, Feb. 25 Crib Tournament Western Shore Legion, 1pm. For information, all 902-627-2570. Mondays Coffee Social New Ross Legion, 9-11am. TOPS meeting New Ross Legion, 5:45-7:00pm. Darts New Ross Legion, 7:30pm 45s Western Shore Legion. Call 902-627-2570 for more information. Tuesdays Heritage Handwork Drop-in District #1 Community Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 10am-4pm. Bring your own mug along with portable handwork. Crib Hubbards Area Lions Club, 7pm. Wednesdays Auction 45s Little Red School, 7:30pm. Thursdays Two Coves Café St. Luke's Anglican Parish Hall (10 Shore Club Road), 9-11am. Free refreshments. Visit twocoves.ca or @TwoCovesHubbards on Facebook. Bingo New Ross Legion, 7-10pm. Fridays Friday Night Live New Ross Legion, 8:30pm. COMMUNITY INTEREST Canada Post Chester achieved a milestone last December, unveiling its inaugural pictorial postmark. The postmark was beautifully designed by Postmaster Laura Hyde McCulloch (shown in photo) and tips its hat to Chester's rich sailing heritage. In a statement released by Canada Post Chester, "The new postmark depicts a racing yacht, acknowledging the more than 165 years of racing regattas held in the waters around Chester. This tradition continues today with the Chester Yacht Club holding its 122nd Annual Race Week this past August." This unique postmark is now the permanent mark of the Chester Post Office, making each piece of outgoing mail a celebration of tradition. MAKING WAVES New postmark for Village of Chester Post Office Didn't get your 2024 Waste Collection Calendar? Contact Solid Waste Services at solidwaste@chester.ca Arts & Culture Strategy Steering Committee The Municipality of Chester is developing our first Arts & Culture Strategy. As part of that development, we are forming a Steering Committee and looking for community members to join us. Members will provide vision, guidance, and oversight to the overall development of the Strategy. Our goal is to have diverse representation from our seven districts as well as the Wasoqopa'q First Nation and relevant municipal staff. There are currently seven openings. Members must be able to commit to the entire development timeline of January-October 2024. Terms of Reference and the application process are being finalized and will be available soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to submit an expression of interest, please email Ashley Marlin, Community Economic Development Officer, at amarlin@chester.ca. Further public engagement opportunities will be scheduled at a later date. 5 COMMUNITY INTEREST "IDEA" is an acronym for Inclusion, Diversity, Eq- uity, and Accessibility. The Municipality has been working in a variety of ways to incorporate IDEA so that our infrastructure, services, and policies are more inclusive. In this new section, you will find updates and initiatives that might be of interest, both from the Municipality as well as the wider community. Accessible Infrastructure The Municipality is in the process of upgrading the public restrooms at Wild Rose Park in Western Shore to include features that make the facilities more accessible. Those features are: • Installing a concrete pad outside to ensure that there is no raise in elevation when en- tering the building. • Widening the entry doors to 36”. • Installing power operated door openers on each entry door. • Converting from stalls to two accessible spaces. • Installing a power operated adult changing table in one of the rooms. • Installing hands-free dispensers for paper towel and soap. • Ensuring toilets have clear space on either side for transfer space, giving persons in wheeled devices options, including pull down hand rails. All new sidewalks (including those built this past summer) now include several improved design el- ements: • At all road crossings, tactile walking indica- tor strips (bumpy metal plates) will be in- stalled so pedestrians with low or no vision will know they are approaching a road. • Concrete will continue through commercial driveways so that a visual path is continued. • To ensure a flat, continuous path, residential driveways will not be lowered unless neces- sary due to grades. • New sidewalks are 1.8m wide with a 1m paved shoulder before the curb. Stay tuned for more news on IDEA! GREAT IDEA! Updates on inclusivity in the MOC mysurveys.pro/chester HOW DO YOU MOVE? We welcome your FEEDBACK and preferences, and you can be entered to win one Your input will inform our strategies to promote physical activity and active, healthy lifestyles Please complete our survey at mysurveys.pro/chester For more information, please contact: Community Development & Recreation Services ATTN: Gord Tate gtate@chester.ca 902-275-3490 This survey is being conducted by the NS Department of Communities, Culture & Heritage on behalf of the Municipality of Chester. Last fall, the Board for the Our Health Centre (OHC) Foundation initiated a new program that recognizes the academic achievements of students entering into their second year of study in a medical, nurse practitioner, or nursing program in a post-secondary institution. Both recipients (shown in photos provided by OHC) are residents of the Municipality, specifically the Village of Chester and New Ross. The $5,000 awards honour OHC advocate and long-time resident, Dr. Joy Calkin. Dr. Calkin was well-respected and a pillar of her community. Her generosity, humour, and kindness is fondly remembered by a multitude, including many of us at the Municipal Office. Please read on for a few words contributed by member of the OHC Foundation. "OHC Foundation Announces Dr. Joy Calkin Award Winners When medical student Ross Porter (top right photo) learned that he was one of two successful applicants selected to receive a $5000 student award from Our Health Centre Foundation, several things came to mind. “I felt honoured that my community recognized the hard work I've been doing. And it was so special having known Joy Calkin—what a wonderful person she was and how much she did to get the health centre going. She's left a great legacy." The application process was open to students entering their second year of studies in a medical, THE LEGACY OF DR. JOY CALKIN Award honours memory of beloved resident and recognizes achievements nurse practitioner, or a nursing program at a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution. Preference was given to students demonstrating a strong connection to the Lunenburg County area. Porter, who is from Chester, is studying medicine and hopes to be an anesthesiologist. MacKenzie Connors (bottom right photo), from New Ross, also received a $5000 award. He’s in the nursing program at St. Francis Xavier University. His interest in nursing formed at a young age. “My grandmother died of cancer when I was 11. I saw the nurses helping her, comforting and caring for her. I decided that’s what I wanted to provide.” There were 11 candidates for the awards, from Dalhousie and Cape Breton Universities, St. Francis Xavier, and the Nova Scotia Community College. Jeff Somerville is Vice-Chair of the OHC Foundation (left top and bottom photos) and led the Selection Committee. “It was refreshing. These are bright people; enthusiastic about their chosen profession. They know the challenges of the health care system and are dedicated to their craft and improving the system.” Roger Bower is the Executive Director of OHC. “Recognizing local community members who are starting a career in healthcare is one of the ways we can work towards building relationships with healthcare practitioners. I’m pleased that this year’s awards are going to Ross and MacKenzie to recognize their dedication to their communities and healthcare." PROPERTY SERVICES 6 NEW PROGRAM FOR HOMEOWNERS Improve home energy efficiency with Clean Energy Financing Homeowners in the Municipality of Ches- ter who want to improve their home’s energy efficiency and reduce their power bills can now apply to the Municipality’s new Clean Energy Financing (CEF) program. Upgrades eligible for financing could in- clude installing heat pumps, improving your home’s insulation, and much more. Clean Energy Financing might be right for you if: • You own a detached, semi-detached, or row house (multi-unit buildings are not eligible for the program). • You are worried about the cost of heat- ing your home. • You are not sure which energy up- grades might be right for you. • You would prefer to finance any up- grades you make. • You need help applying for rebates. Through CEF, you can finance up to $40,000 in home energy upgrades. The financing term is 10 years, but there’s no penalty for paying off the financing early, and the program makes sure you get access to all the rebates you are eligible for. To learn more about the program and apply online, visit cleanenergyfinancing.ca/chester or call 1-844-727-7818. WINTER STORMS AND DRIVING Be prepared this winter with these tips on winter travel Severe winter storms and blizzards can result in school and business closures or early dis- missals, unsafe travel conditions, and widespread utility disruptions. Environment Canada tracks weather systems to mitigate potential effects, but winter storms can strike with little notice. In the event of an upcoming storm, • consider your travel requirements and re- vise plans to stay off the roads if possible; • pack a vehicle emergency kit including shov- el, blanket, food, booster cables, and flash- light and put it in your vehicle; • check on family members and neighbours for assistance; • charge battery-operated devices, such as cell phones, laptops, and radios; and • consider how you would cope with being home (shelter in place) for three days or more, possibly without power, and ensure you have appropriate supplies. Once you know how you and your family could cope and you have the supplies you need, relax in the knowledge that you have done what you can. Settle in to enjoy the storm. If you lose power, notify your electric utility pro- vider and practice safety measures, such as: • Have flashlights and battery-powered light- ing ready. If you need to use candles, place them in a sturdy base and 12" away from other items. • Do not bring generators in- doors. Ensure area around generator is well venti- lated. • Select a space heater that shuts off if it tips over. Also, keep it 3' away from other objects and turn it off at night. • Turn off the stove and clear the burners and oven to prevent a fire when power is re- stored. During or after the storm, clear around your out- side oil tank, hot water exhausts, furnace and dry- er vents, secondary entrances, and fire hydrants. If a severe winter storm traps you in your ve- hicle, remember these tips: • Pull off the road and turn hazard lights on. Remain in your vehicle as rescuers are most likely to find you there. • Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you can take shelter. • Conserve fuel. Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm, cracking a downwind window slightly to pre- vent carbon monoxide poisoning. • Huddle with other passengers and use your coat for a blanket. • In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, floor mats, newspapers or extra clothing for covering - anything to provide additional in- sulation and warmth. • Once the severe weather has passed, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot. Follow the road where possible. WINTER WASTE "MUST DO'S" #2#2 #3#3 #1#1 During a storm, listen to CKBW 98.1, check our web- site or call 902-275-2330 in case collection is can- celled. Plow and salt/sand your private road and shovel out your collection area. If collector can't access your waste, they can't pick it up. Avoid green cart issues • remove it from the road while the snowplow could be operating; • prevent freezing by using paper bags or lining the bottom with cardboard, straining excess liquid, layering with bits of brush, or spraying the cart with vegetable oil. PROPERTY SERVICES 7 Recyclable paper is like lactose intolerance. Clean plastic is like a tall glass of milk. The two don't mix. (hint: put your clean paper in a separate recycling bag) Since our last report, we received these online inquiries. Thank you!: We received a thank you from a resident who felt that the Christmas wreaths on the poles in Hubbards looked wonderful! We appreciate the compliment and agree that the wreaths were lovely. The bulk of the thanks goes to the combined efforts of community volunteers, Hubbards Area Business Association, NS Power, and our Recreation team who lent the hardware for hanging. Waste bin in disrepair: The Municipality provides central waste collection boxes at certain areas, and a resident reported one was in bad shape. We passed the information on to our Solid Waste staff for repair. Thank you for letting us know! Waste receptacles overflowing: We had two reports of the waste stations located at Parade Square and the Ferry Wharf (Chester) were overflowing. We thank you for bringing this to our attention and our Public Works staff cleaned up the areas right away. Trail damage and Gold River Trail Bridge update: A resident inquired about the progress of replacement of the Gold River Trail Bridge as well as flood damage repairs to the trail in Chester Basin. Construction of the trail bridge in Gold River is scheduled for this year with engineered design and geotechnical work in progress. Most of the trail damage sustained during the flood last summer is repaired, however, we are working with our contractor to install nine new bridges, and that work impacts which sections can open or close. Requests: We received some other online requests that are more routine, including • green cart replacement/repair x 16 • request for waste collection information x 1 • report of waste left behind x 1 • request for property information x 2 • request for civic address sign x 1 REGISTER A COMPLIMENT OR COMPLAINT BY: Calling 902-275-3554. Leaving your name is optional. Emailing the Clerk at pmyra@chester.ca Filling in our online form on our website at www. chester.ca/uhoh Coming to see us at 151 King Street in Chester. BOSSBOSS oror BUSTBUST GIVE ME A BREAK... ON TAXES! Do you qualify for an exemption or reduction on property taxes? The Municipality has set the income level and exemption amount required to determine eligibility for property tax ex- emptions. You may qualify if ALL of the fol- lowing applies: 1. The total income from all assessed own- ers, including spouses and common law spouses, residing at the property, and total income from those persons who hold an interest in the property and contribute to the household in- come together is less than $30,803. 2. Although all owners do not have to live in the residence, it must be a principal dwelling of the owner applying for the exemption. Exemptions are only for the residential and waste collection portion of your current property tax on your principal residence. Your maximum exemption amount is de- termined at the Municipal Office upon ap- plying, but will not exceed $865, which is the maximum for an income level below $17,092. Proof of income is required and you will need a copy of your 2022 Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada. Sometimes we receive requests that belong to other organizations so we do not have authority to act. We generally recommend reaching out to those organizations. We had these requests: • Culvert replacement and ditching x 2 (NS Dept of Public Works) • Condition of provincial roads x 2 (NS Dept of Public Works) • Installing moorings (NS Dept of Natural Resources) • Availability of fibre-op Internet (service provider) • Assessed value is determined each year by Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) and generally changes every year. • Property tax bills are calculated based on assessed value of the property multiplied by the tax rate. • The tax rate for the Municipality of Chester has not changed since 2017 except for 2023/24 when the tax rate was decreased from $0.705/$100 of assessed value to $0.695/$100 of assessed value (1.4% decrease). The commercial rate went from $1.53 to $1.50 (2.0% decrease). • The window to appeal your assessment closes on February 8, 2024. • By the time tax bills go out in April, there will no longer be an opportunity to appeal assessments. • If your have questions about the assessment process or the assessed value of your property, or if you wish to appeal the assessed value, please call PVSC at 1-800-380-7775 or email inquiry@pvsc.ca. 2024 PropertyAssessments are nowavailable! Please contact the Municipal Office at 902- 275-3554 for information. The deadline to apply for an exemption is March 29, 2024. LinkedIn: Find us on LinkedIn by searching "Municipality of Chester" and get the latest updates on municipal careers, opportunities for business and development, and community investment news. Twitter: We deactivated our Twitter account at the end of July due to low engagement and viewer restrictions. Please follow us on our other social media platforms. Facebook: Search ChesterMunicipality or ChesterRecParks and learn about events and stories happening in the area. If you have something to share, message us! We will post your event or photos! Instagram: Follow us at chestermunicipality to see photos of municipal events and daily life in the Municipality! Tag us in your pics! YouTube: Subscribe to modcvideo for our latest videos. We have a channel showcasing some of our outstanding attractions and businesses, and we are hoping to add more! You can also catch the latest Council and Committee of the Whole meetings under the 'Live' tab. Municipal subscriptions: Sign up for the latest municipal news about Regulatory Changes (by-law and policy including Planning), Waste Collection, Council Agendas, and more at chester.ca. District #1 East Chester, East River to Northwest Cove Andre Veinotte 902-277-1409 District #2 Simms Settlement, Hubbards to The Lodge Floyd Shatford 902-275-7868 District #3 Chester and part of East Chester Derek Wells 902-277-2263 District #4 Chester Basin and Chester Grant Allen Webber 902-275-8373 Municipal Districts and CouncillorsMunicipal Districts and Councillors District #5 Gold River to Martins River, including Beech Hill Abdella Assaff 902-277-2765 District #6 New Ross Tina Connors 902-277-1095 District #7 Middle River to Haddon Hill/Windsor Road to Sherwood Sharon Church 902-277-1301 Contact Us!Contact Us! Community Development & Recreation Building Services/By-Law 902-275-3080 Planning/Fire Inspection Services 902-275-2599 Recreation & Parks 902-275-3490 Finance & Information Services General Inquiries 902-275-3554 Taxation Services (incl Rebates) 902-275-3554 FOIPOP Officer 902-275-3554 Infrastructure & Operations Public Works/Wastewater 902-275-1312 Solid Waste/Landfill 902-275-2330 Corporate & Strategic Management General Inquiries 902-275-4147 Communications 902-275-4107 Council Inquiries 902-275-4109 Economic Development 902-275-4147 SAME-DAY CLINIC HOURS (January) Mondays CLOSED (every Monday) Tuesdays 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (every Tuesday) Wednesdays 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (every Wednesday) Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (every Thursday) Fridays CLOSED (every Friday) Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (every Saturday) Sundays CLOSED (every Sunday) 1-902-273-2098 • Call 30 minutes before each shift • appointment required • wear a mask BLOOD COLLECTION SERVICES Due to staffing challenges, blood collection services will be available on Monday and Thursday mornings at a reduced capacity. Additionally, there will be no blood collection available when schools are closed. Should you require blood collection services and cannot book at OHC, please go to https:// prebooking.nshealth.ca/ to pre-book an appointment at Fishermen's Memorial or South Shore Regional Hospitals. Waste Collection Waste Collection starts at 7:00 a.m.starts at 7:00 a.m.